Dear colleagues, 

Hello everyone and welcome once more to Heads Up. 

This week we have had the news that Warwickshire is in Tier 3 at least for the next fortnight due to Coronavirus transmission in communities. This has not been for want of trying and your efforts in keeping transmission down have been exceptional. There are clearly a range of factors being considered, including proximity to other areas with high levels of transmission.

The local notification system has been operating very effectively between Public Health and the local authority. Response has been swift and has helped to minimise the numbers of children missing school. This week, we have had the numbers reduce considerably and only one school has had to close due to COVID-19 related issues. That work will not have been in vain; it has meant that most children are able to attend their educational setting and that will always be of great benefit to them. You can certainly reflect on what has happened in schools, colleges and early years settings and feel that you have all more than played your part in keeping transmissions down and continuity of provision possible.

Still the work goes on and you will have received a letter from Public Health requesting your assistance in sending it to parents with further advice on keeping transmission down. We would be grateful if you could ensure that that is forwarded as soon as possible.

As is stands, there is an expectation that schools will remain open until the published end of term date of 18 December.  We are delighted that the Government’s COVID Winter Grant Scheme has provided local authorities with one-off funding for families, and vulnerable residents, who may need financial help during the winter months.

Information on the automatic payment to eligible families that Warwickshire County Council will be making to support them with the cost of food for children over the Christmas school holiday period, was outlined at Tuesday’s lunchtime call with education leaders and in the following email.   You will be pleased to note that the payment will be processed automatically and there will be no requirement for families to contact us to apply for the funding unless an eligible family does not receive a cash voucher for a child or children by Tuesday 22nd December, in which case they can call us on 0800 408 1448 or 01926 359182.

The School Improvement Service is also focussing on the remote learning offer through a consortium based approach, giving us a more robust framework to support home learning where required. This important development and support will stand us in good stead as we move forward into the new year.

Please keep doing what you have been doing. The tier system is out of our hands, but we can still provide for as many children in school as possible by carrying on working together. I know that senior leaders and politicians at the county council are immensely grateful for all the efforts you have made.

In the spirit of solidarity and tapping into our education support networks, I am going to ask a favour.  We are recruiting to the post of Commissioning Manager for Education and Early Years Services. This is a key senior management role on our leadership team that is vital to how we manage the Council’s education offer and it is imperative that we recruit the right candidate. Please share the advert in the link among your professional contacts whom you feel may be suited to the role and broaden our reach. 

As ever, have a good weekend and do try to get some rest and relaxation.

Best wishes 

Ian Budd

Assistant Director for Education Services